Arthritis
Osteopathy for Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition with over 9 million sufferers in the UK alone. It can be extremely uncomfortable, causing pain and stiffness in one of more joints of the body.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis literally means ‘inflammation of the joints’. There are many different types of arthritis, the most common of which is osteoarthritis – a degenerative condition sometimes referred to as ‘wear and tear’ of the joints.
As we age, the blood supply to the cartilage in our joints can start to become compromised, leading to a weakening of the cartilage and pain and stiffness in the joint.
Osteoarthritis tends to be more prevalent in the over-40s. It affects women more than men and is more common in those with a family history of the condition.
The 'wear and tear' myth
Although osteoarthritis is often referred to as ‘wear and tear’ this is a misleading term as it implies that our joints are somehow being ‘ground down’ by overuse.
There is no evidence that this is the case however and most orthopaedic experts now agree that the more we load and use our joints, the less likely we are to suffer with arthritis.
The vicious circle
Although moving and loading our joints is the best thing to do to help avoid the onset of arthritis, if our joints do become painful, we start to use them less.
This results in the joints becoming stiffer, reducing the blood flow to them and leading to further degeneration of the cartilage, which subsequently causes more pain.
The more painful they are the less we use them – and so it continues in a vicious circle…..
How can we help?
No-one can cure or reverse arthritis however our osteopaths are on hand to help you manage your condition.
With their techniques of articulation, mobilisation and massage – along with their expert exercise advice – they can help to reduce the pain and stiffness in your joints, by breaking the vicious circle and slowing down the degenerative process, enabling you to get back on with your life.
Our clinic located within Chatteris covers areas including March, Ely, Wisbech, Huntingdon, St Ives & Whittlesey and beyond.
Want to know more?
Contact us now to book a free 15-minute chat with an Osteopath to see how we could help you with your arthritis.
Need help? Call us on 01354 694050 or book online here